Building block



A. C. FLORES Nov. 7, 1939.

BUILDING BLOCK Filed Oct. l2, 1938 2 Sheets-Shet l Inventor 5MM/0 CX70/fe@ BTW mm, A orneys A. C. FLCRES Nov.. 7, 1939.

BUILDING BLOCK Filed Oct. l2, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A ttorneys ntented Nov. 7, 1939 STATES 2 laims.

This invention relates to blocks for building purposes.

Among the objects of the invention are to provide building blocks which will interlock when 5 assembled, thereby resulting in a more substantial structure than can be attained from blocks having plain faces; to provide a building block so constructed that it is possible to anchor the assembly nrmly to the base on which the buildmg rests and to so form the mocks that reinforcing may be used in the construction of the building; to provide a hollow building block which will offer greater thermal insulation than can r be had with solid blocks; and, to provide building blocks which may be made into practically any desired shape or size and still retain the insulating and interlocking features thereof.

The invention together with its objects and advantages will be best understood from a study of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a fragmentary detail elevational view illustrating a wall structure embodying blocks made in accordance with the present invention. f

Figure la is a fragmentary detail elevational view similar to Figure 1 and illustrating a slightly modified form of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective View of a half-height cross block for outside walls.

Figure 3 is a view of half-length block for outside walls.

Figure 4 is a View of a half-height block commonly used for partitions.

Figure 5 is a View of a half length block used for partitions, or inside walls. y

Figure 6 is a perspective View of a female corner block. 1

Figure 7 is a View of a male corner block. i Figure 8 is a view of the regular size outside course block.

Figure 9 is a View of the regular size inside Wall or partitioning block.

Figure 10 is a perspective view, partly insection, of a pair of chimney building blocks. 1

Figure l1 is a fragmentary perspective of the type of lblock used in arch work, and

Figure 12 is a fragmentary View of the type of block which is used in building circular tanks, curved walls, or analogous structures.

Referring more in detail to the drawings it will be seen that in accordance withvthepresent invention the wall or other structurtto be built from blocks embodying the features-of the pres- .1 ent invention rests upon a base I of concrete or other suitable material. In constructing the wall or the like the blocks of the lowermost course are anchored to the foundation Il by means of `anchoring rods i as clearly shown in Figure l.

Further in accordance with the present invention reinforcing bars 3 are used between the different courses, being positioned as the' wall is built up, these bars extending the entire length of the wall. Preferably two of such 'reinforcing rods 3 are used between each course.

The blocks, as shown, are provided with projections i on one side thereof that t in grooves of the blocks of the next adjacent course, and which grooves are provided at the side of each block opposite to that equipped with the projection l. -v

Also the projections 'l of the blocks are provided with grooves li to accommodate the reinforcing bars 3.

Also each block on one side thereof is provided, according to the function of that block, with one or more tongues or ribs t, and at the side thereof opposite to the tongues or ribs 8 with grooves 9 to raccommodate the tongue or rib 8 of an adjacent block in the same course.

It will be noted that the tongues or ribs 3 as well as the projections l are bevelled or tapered and the grooves in the blocksmfor accommodating such tongues and projections are of course shaped to conformably accommodate such projections and ribs.' t

By having the projections and tongues or grooves bevelled instead of squared a better interlocking of the blocks at the joints thereof is obtained, and this bevelling of the tongues and ribs render the same more resistant to weight and pressure than would be the case if the projec tions and/or ribs were of the square type.

After the wall has been up to the required height a suitable cap for the top edge of the wall is provided. The type of cap employed will dev pend upon the nature of the roof structure. For example, in Figure l there is illustrated a wall cap which will be found desirable forv what are known as open roofs, and in connection with which roof structure the wall projects above the V roof. Thus under such circumstances, as shown in Figure 1, and indicated by the reference numeral I2, may be composed of a plurality of complemental sections I3, i4, arranged in end-to-end relation with one end of a section ttiiig within an end l5 of the next adjacent section, the end I5 of each section being enlarged as it were,

to provide a socket for accommodating the end of the next section.

Also, and as shown in Figure 1, the cap sections I3, I4, are provided with grooves I6 to receive the projections 'l of the uppermost course of building blocks. 'i

Where, as shown in Figure 1, other forms of roof s tructure are to be employed, the cap for the wall structure may consist of a timber, or timbers 6 which rest on the projections 'I of the building blocks in the uppermost course. In actual practice the spaces caused by the projections 1 between the timber, or timbers 6 and the upper faces of the blocks in the uppermost course may be filled in with mortar.

Also, and as shown in Figure 1, after the wall has been built to the required height any convenient number of tie rods 4 may be inserted in the openings 5 provided in the blocks. The upper ends of the tie rods 4 project beyond the, upper edges of the blocks in the uppermost course and serve as anchoring means for the timber, or timbers 6.

It is also evident that slippage of the blocks relative to each other is prevented through the medium of the projections 'I and tongues 8 meshing with the grooves provided therefor in the adjacent blocks. Also the reinforcing bars 3 will prevent parting of the blocks horizontally while the tie rods 4 serve to hold the blocks firmly in position on the foundation.

By providing the blocks with projections I and tongues 8 together with grooves for accommodating said projections 'I and tongues 8 the wall may be constructed, and the blocks laid with speed and accuracy.

In Figures 2 to 12 inclusive are illustrated the different types of blocks commonly used in construction work. 'I'he blocks shown in Figures 2 and 4 are half-height blocks which may be used to secure the proper-wall height.

In Figures 3 and 5 are shown bocks which are of half length and enable staggering of the different courses of blocks without staggering the ends of the walls.

In Figures 6 and 7 are shown male Vand female corner blocks respectively, and in connection with the corner blocks the interlocking feature tends to strengthen the corner of the building by the interchanging of the male and female blocks with each layer of blocks, taking advantageof overlapping of the joint itself as well as further securing corner blocks together by the use of the projecting tongues 1.

The block shown in Figure 9 is of the regular size partition or inner wall block.

.Iin Figure 10 is shown a pair of chimney blocks as seen when placed together. Each course of these chimney blocks would, of course, be turned at an angle of ninety degrees to the course directly beneath it so as to form a rigid structure.

In Figure 11 is illustrated the type of block used in the construction of an arch and in this connection it will be noted that these blocks are provided with the raised portions or projections I0 which prevent endwise movement of the blocks and thus retain the same from falling or pulling up.

The blocks shown in'Figure 12 are designed for use in the construction of circular walls such as the walls of silos or tanks and are made simi- It will also be understood that in actual practice mortar will be used between all joints of the blocks.

Adverting again to thechimney blocks shown in Figure 10, it will be appreciated that the blocks are adapted to the construction of pillars as well as chimneys, the builder, by the use of these blocks, advancing substantially a foot at a time, the blocks at the same time insuring strong rigidity of the structure on account of the interlocking features. Such blocks will also, in the building of a chimney, do away with the flue if desired as the inner surface of the chimney will, as formed by these blocks, be as smooth as that of a ue.

From the above it will be seen that I have provided a form of block which constitutes an eilicient, practical and economical means of building walls, chimneys, and the like, and while I have herein illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that I do not Wish to limit myself to the precise details of construction herein shown and illustrated other than may b e required in view of the prior art and scope of the claims hereunto appended.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new is:

1. A building block of the class described having spaced openings therein extending` from the bottom edge of the block through the top edge thereof, said block having a rib on one side edge block for fitting in the bottom groove, said projections being formed on those portions of the block which are separated by the openings, said projections having straight side walls and the groove at the bottom of the block having straight side walls, those projections at the ends of the block carrying portions of the ribs and grooves at the side edges of the block- 2. A building block of the class described having spaced openings therein extending from the bottom edge of the block through the top edge thereof, said block having a rib on oney side edge and a groove in the opposite side edge for receiving a rib of a second block and said block having a groove in its lower nd, portions of which are formed by they vertically arranged openings and projections on the upper edge-of the block for fitting in the bottom groove, said projections being formed on those portions of the block which are separated by the openings, Said projections having straight side Wallsand the groove at the bottom of the-block having straight side Walls,

those projections at the ends of the block carrying portions of the ribs and grooves at theside vedges of the block, said projections having small ANTONIO C. FLORES. 

